Flying Dutchmen Win Season Finale (11/14/09)
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The Flying Dutchmen set a tone for the future by winning their season finale on Saturday. The 44-33 victory over Kalamazoo in the battle for the Wooden Shoes puts the Flying Dutchmen at 3-3 in the final MIAA standings and with a 3-7 overall mark. The Flying Dutchmen have not relinquished the Wooden Shoes trophy since 1994.

The Flying Dutchmen used a balanced attack to offset a record-setting passing performance by Kalamazoo quarterback Brandon Luczak who established MIAA marks for pass attempts in a game (79) and completions (56) covering 507 yards and five touchdowns. The final score was not as close as the game as Hope held a 24 point lead after three quarters.

Junior tailback Tim Elzinga became the 12th Hope running back all-time to surpass 1,000 yards in a season. He gained 129 yards on 18 carries and rushed for three touchdowns to raise his season totals to 1,028 yards and 13 touchdowns. Two receivers surpassed 100 yards in receptions -- Scott Snyder caught four for 112 yards and a pair of touchdowns while Kyle Deitrich grabbed four covering 105 yards. Quarterback Chris Feys completed 11-of-16 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns.

Late Field Goal Dooms Flying Dutchmen (11/7/09)
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A come-from-behind effort was stymmied by a late field goal as Alma edged the Flying Dutchmen 30-28 Saturday. Coach Dean Kreps' Dutchmen drop to 2-7 on the season and 2-3 in MIAA games. Seven of Hope's nine games this season have been decided by a touchdown or less. Trailing by 11 points early in the fourth quarter, Hope rallied to gain a 28-27 lead with six minutes remaining only to have the host Scots gain the victory behind a 23-yard field goal with 1:19 on the clock. The Flying Dutchmen had a pair of outstanding rushing performances by tailbacks Tim Elzinga and Josh Echtinaw. Elzinga rushed for 151 yards on 29 carries to move within striking distance of 1,000 yards on the season. He has 909 yards heading into the season finale. Echtinaw gained 118 yards, including an 83-yard rush, for his third career 100-yard performance.

Flying Dutchmen Get Road Victory (10/31/09)
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The Flying Dutchmen posted their first victory on the road and the second of the season in topping Olivet 28-14 on Saturday. A pair of fourth quarter touchdowns provided the Flying Dutchmen with the margin of victory over the winless Comets. Three of Hope's four touchdowns came on sustained drives covering more than 80 yards. Tailback Tim Elzinga scored a pair of touchdowns while quarterback Chris Feyes and fullback Adam Loveless each had one. Elzinga rushed for over 100 yards for the fourth time this season and the seventh time in his career with 131 yards on 23 carries. Feyes rushed for 92 yards and completed 15-of-30 passes for 235 yards.

Flying Dutchmen Lose "Mud Bowl" by Single Point (10/24/09)
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Photo Gallery - Purple Game for Cancer Research
Saturday's "Purple Game for Cancer Research" turned into the Mud Bowl as visiting Adrian slogged to a one-point victory over the Flying Dutchmen. Playing in some of the worst field conditions in the 100-year history of Hope football, the Flying Dutchmen slipped to 1-2 in the MIAA and 1-6 overall. Hope's six points came on a pair of field goals by Steve Hazekamp. Adrian came from behind for the win scoring a touchdown with five minutes left to play.

Flying Dutchmen Record First MIAA Win (10/10/09)
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Enjoy Video of Homecoming Victory
Homecoming Photo Galleries
The Flying Dutchmen picked a good time to record their first victory of the season, pleasing a large Homecoming gathering with a 14-6 victory over Albion on Saturday. More than 4,000 fans watched coach Dean Kreps' Dutchmen even their MIAA record at 1-1 with their first win after five losses. The Homecoming victory was the team's 11th in 12 years. All the scoring occurred in the first half. Tailback Tim Elzinga scored on a 63-yard run for the first touchdown and receiver Scott Snyder got the second on a nine-yard reception from quarterback Chris Feys. Elzinga rushed for 131 yards in 16 carries. Hope's defense was outstanding, limiting Albion to just 27 yards rushing.

Flying Dutchmen Lose MIAA Opener (10/3/09)
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The Flying Dutchmen lost their MIAA opener Saturday in yet another close game. Defending conference champion, who a year ago edged the Flying Dutchmen by a ppoint (31-30) won this time 38-35. Hope, winless in five outing this fall, have lost those games by less than a touchdown per contest.

Hope led 21-17 at halftime, but fell behind 31-21 after three quarters. The Flying Dutchmen cut the margin to 31-28 early in the fourth quarter, but were unable to come any closer.

Tim Elzinga led Hope's running backs with 74 yards on 16 carries while quarterback Chris Feys completed 24-of-38 pases for 342 yards and three touchdowns. Kyle Dietrich caught two of the TD passes while David DeBoer grabbed one. Scott Snyder led Hope's receivers with eight catches for 108 yards.

Flying Dutchmen Bow to Wheaton Thunder (9/26/09)
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For the fifth consecutive year the Flying Dutchmen have come up empty against non-conference opponents. Coach Dean Kreps' Dutchmen gave nationally ranked Wheaton a battle Saturday night, but suffered a 32-20 loss. Hope will enter the conference season with an 0-4 season record. It will be the same scenario that has occurred each season since 2005.

Wheaton scored three touchdowns in a three-minute span in the first quarter to go ahead 20-0. The Flying Dutchmen trailed 20-7 at halftime and cut the margin to 20-13 in the third quarter. The Thunder scored a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter to remain undefeated. Tailback Tim Elzinga scored two of Hope's touchdowns on runs of 10 and 2 yards. The other came on a 16-yard pass from Chris Feyes to Jared Hudson. Elzinga ended with 122 yards on 22 carries.

Flying Dutchmen Lose Overtime Thriller (9/19/09)
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The Flying Dutchmen suffered yet another close defeat Saturday bowing in double overtime to visiting UW-Eau Claire 52-45. The Flying Dutchmen (0-3) rallied from a two-touchdown deficit, including one with 17 seconds remaining in regulation to force the overtime. Neither team scored in the first overtime. Eau Claire got the game-winner on a fourth down play in the second overtime and then held the Flying Dutchmen scoreless on their attempt. Tailback Tim Elzinga scored three touchdowns, all in the fourth quarter, to spearhead the rally. Kyle Dietrich caught eight passes for 112 yards and a touchdown while fullback Adam Loveles scored a pair of touchdowns. Placekicker Andrew Schoifield marked his varsity debut with a 22-yard field goal and six straight PATs.

Flying Dutchmen Lose Home Opener (9/12/09)
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The Flying Dutchmen lost a heartbreaker in their home opened Saturday bowing to Carthage, Wisc. 26-19. Coach Dean Kreps' Dutchmen slipped to 0-2 on the young season. Hope held a 19-12 lead early in the fourth quarter but the visiting Redmen scored twice in the closding minutes including the game-winner with just 50 seconds left in the game. Senior fullback Adam Loveless scored two touchdowns in gaining a career-best 56 yards on 13 carries. Junior receiver Kyle Deitrich caught seven passes for 135 yards. Quarterback Chris Feys rushed for a touchdown and completed 20-of-45 passes for 225 yards.

Flying Dutchmen Drop Season Opener (9/5/09)
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The season-opening nemesis continued for the Flying Dutchmen Saturday who lost their opener for the sixth consecutive year. Host Illinois Wesleyan edged coach Dean Kreps' Flying Dutchmen 28-25. A year ago Illinois Wesleyan also beat Hope 28-25 in the season opener.

Hope rallied from a 14-3 halftime deficit to gain an 18-14 third quarter lead, but Illinois answered with a pair of touchdowns to gain the win.

Junior Chris Feys had a solid game in his varsity starting debut throwing for two touchdowns while completing 28-of-43 passes for 301 yards. Junior tailback Tim Elzinga rushed for 101 yards on 15 carries and scored a touchdown on a 33-yard run. Tight end David DeBoer caught nine passes for 65 yards while wide receiver Kyle Dietrich hauled in seven for 141 yards and a touchdown. Also catching a touchdown pass was Zach Riepma. Plackekeeper Steve Hazekamp kicked two field goals covering 33 and 20 yards and averaged 43.0 yards in three punts. Kyle Warren and Cach Jones each had 14 tackles while Chris Batterbee was credit with 13, including a sack. Andy Johansen intercepted a pass.

Flying Dutchmen Tabbed for Third in MIAA (8/6/09)
The Flying Dutchmen approach the 100th year of Hope College football picked to finish third in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) standings. The MIAA held its 40th annual fall sports media luncheon Thursday at Hope's Haworth Inn and Conference Center.

Defending MIAA champion Trine has been picked as the team to beat in the pre-season poll of coaches and media in attendance. The Thunder posted an undefeated regular season in 2008, including a one-point victory over Hope. The Flying Dutchmen finished in a tie for third place last fall winning their last three games after starting the season with seven consecutive losses.

In this year's poll Trine received seven first place votes followed by Adrian with five, Hope two and Alma one.
POLL RESULTS: 1. Trine (7) 23, 2. Adrian (5) 28, 3. Hope (2) 44, 4. Alma (1) 52, 5. Albion 53, 6. Kalamazoo 84, 7. Olivet 87. (First place votes in parentheses)

Hope begins its 100th year of football on September 5 at Illinois Wesleyan. The 112th MIAA season (Hope's 80th) begins on Saturday, Oct. 3 when the the Flying Dutchmen challenged Trine at Angola, Ind.

The Flying Dutchmen will be seeking to pick up where they left off as the team celebrates the 100th year of Hope College football in 2009.

Coach Dean Kreps' Dutchmen ended the 2008 season with three consecutive victories. It erased the memory of a seven-game losing streak and moved the Flying Dutchmen into third place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).

The 2008 Dutchmen finished with a 3-7 record ending a school-record stretch of 12 consecutive seasons at .500 or better. In 14 seasons under coach Kreps the Flying Dutchmen have won six MIAA championships.

The challenge of 2009 will be no less as Hope faces a challenging non-conference schedule against teams that compiled a cumulative 28-16 record in 2008. And the league season begins against defending conference champion Trine on the road!

The pre-season roster of 148 players includes 42 returning letterwinners. The roster includes 44 freshmen, 44 sophomores, 31 juniors and 29 seniors.

The captains will be seniors Chris Batterbee of Gladwin (Gladwin HS), Brett Cain of Jenison (Jenison HS), David DeBoer of Grosse Pointe (Grosse Point South HS), and Andy Johansen of Holland (West Ottawa HS).

The Flying Dutchmen could return as many as eight offensive starters. A major replacement will need to be at quarterback where graduated three-year starter Jake Manning built impressive career statistics.

Hope returns its top three running backs and receivers. Junior Tim Elzinga (Grand Rapids/South Christian HS) sophomore Josh Echtinaw (Alto/Caledonia HS) and senior Jon Rodriguez (Berrien Springs/Berrien Springs HS) combined to rush for more than 1,000 yards. Elzinga, who was injured early in the season but was able to return for the conference run, averaged 90 yards a game, including a career-best 242 yards in the season finale against Alma. Echtinaw had a team-best 7.0 yards per carry average and twice went over 100 yards in a game. Rodriguez had a team-leading 100 rushing carries. Echtinaw, who also saw action on defense, topped the team with three pass interceptions.

Junior split end Kyle Dietrich (Gobles/Gobles HS) caught a team-leading 64 passes for 966 yards and seven touchdowns. Senior flanker Scott Snyder followed with 60 receptions covering 700 yards and five touchdowns while senior tight end David DeBoer (Grosse Pointe/Grosse Pointe South HS) pulled in 44 passes for 462 yards. Dietrich and DeBoer each received All-MIAA second team honors. Dietrich also was named the All-MIAA second team return specialist. He led the MIAA in all-purpose yardage, catching 40 passes (league games) for 606 yards and averaging 25.3 yards on kickoff returns (12). For the entire season he had the fourth best pass reception total in school history with 64 catches for 966 yards.

Senior Adam Loveless (Middleville/Middleville) returns to the fullback position where he started at every game last fall. Other returning offensive veterans include senior guard Matt Larson (Grayling/Grayling HS), junior center Kyle VandenBosch (Grandville/Grandville HS), and sophomore tackle Josh Droppers (Kalamazoo/Portage Northern HS).

On defense the Flying Dutchmen need to replace nearly half of the starting lineup. Returning veterans include senior end Tim Wahmhoff (Gobles/Gobles HS), senior nose guard Jordan Moore (Grandville/Grandville HS), senior linebacker Chris Batterbee (Gladwin/Gladwin HS), junior linebacker Zach Jones (Three Rivers/Three Rivers HS), senior safety Andy Johansen (Holland/West Ottawa HS), senior safety Kevin VanDokkumburg (Holland/Holland) and junior safety Adam Diver (Deerfield/Deerfield HS).

Steve Hazekamp, a senior from Fruitport/Fruitport HS, started the 2008 season with soccer-kicking experience, but none in football. He was 6-for8 on field goals and made 20-of-23 PATs, including the last 18 in-a-row.

Senior Chris Feyes (Grand Rapids/GR Christian HS) handled Hope's punting chores in 2008, averaging 34.7 yards a punt.

Four Players Named All-MIAA (11/24/08)
Four Hope players were voted to the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) all-conference football teams.

Senior offensive tackle Erik Ladomersky of Grandville (Grandville HS) was voted to the All-MIAA first team for the third consecutive year. He is just the second Hope offensive tackle in school history to receive All-MIAA first team recognition three straight years, joining Craig Groendyk (1977-78-79).

Sophomore Kyle Dietrich of Gobles (Gobles HS) is being honored as an All-MIAA second teamer at two positions, wide receiver and return specialist. Dietrich led the MIAA in all-purpose yardage, catching 40 passes (league games) for 606 yards and averaging 25.3 yards on kickoff returns (12). For the entire season he had the fourth best pass reception total in school history with 64 catches for 966 yards.

Also named to the All-MIAA second team are junior tight end David DeBoer of Grosse Pointe (GP South HS), and junior linebacker Chris Batterbee of Gladwin (Gladwin HS). DeBoer caught 44 passes for 462 yards.

Flying Dutchmen End Season With Victory (11/22/08)
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Hope's 200-Yard Rushers
What was shaping-up to be a disappointing season ended on an upbeat note Saturday as the Flying Dutchmen posted their third straight victory by topping visiting Alma 45-27 in a makeup game played on a snow-covered Holland Municipal Stadium turf. The game had been postponed two weeks after Hope's campus was closed by health authorities because of a campuswide illness the second weekend in November.

Coach Dean Kreps' Dutchmen finished in a tie for third place in the final MIAA standings. Hope, Albion and Alma each finished 3-3 in league games behind Trine (6-0) and Adrian (5-1). Hope ended 3-7 overall.

Sophomore tailback Tim Elzinga, sidelined most of the season with a lingering ankle injury, rushed for a career-high 242 yards on 27 carries and scored two touchdowns. His total is the ninth highest single game performance in Hope football history. Junior fullback Adam Loveless also scored a pair of touchdowns whil gaining 43 yards on 14 rushes. Senior quarterback Jake Manning ended his career with a strong performance by completing 18-of-31 passes for 237 yards and a TD pass. Junior receiver Scott Snyder caught the TD pass and ended with receptions for 141 yards. Placekicker Steve Hazekamp kicked three field goals and was 4-for-4 on PATs. He ended the season with 18 consecutive successful PAT kicks.

Dutchmen Keep Wooden Shoes With Win (11/15/08)
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For the first time this season the Flying Dutchmen have back-to-back victories after winning the Wooden Shoes rivalry game with a 42-16 triumph over Kalamazoo on Saturday.

Coach Dean Krep's Dutchmen improved to 2-3 in the MIAA and are 2-7 overall heading into a season-ending home game against Alma next Saturday. Coach Kreps has not lost to Kalamazoo since becoming head coach in 1995.

The Flying Dutchmen put together their most balanced offensive attack of the season with two running backs gaining more than 100 yards and three different receivers hauling down seven passes. Hope ended with 251 yards rushing and 304 yards passing.

Hope jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the second quarter, but Kalamazoo fought back to within a touchdown, 21-14, in the third quarter. The Flying Dutchmen responded with three unanswered touchdowns to seal the verdict.

Sophomore tailback Tim Elzinga rushed for 119 yards and scored two touchdowns on 20 carries while freshman tailback Josh Echtinaw had 105 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Fullback Adam Loveless rounded-out the rushing attack scoring two touchdowns. Quarterback Jake Manning completed 23-of-34 passes for 304 yards. Catching seven passes each were David DeBoer (110 yards and a TD), Kyle Dietrich (86 yards), and Scott Snyder (78 yards). Placekicker Steve Hazekamp was a perfect six-for-six on PATs extending his streak to 14 in-a-row.

Flying Dutchmen Get Season's First Win (11/1/08)
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The voices of Hope's 150 football players never sounded better late Saturday afternoon as the Flying Dutchmen raised their helmets and belted-out the school's "Fight Song" to declare a victory. A 38-13 victory over Olivet avoided the longest losing streak in the 99-year history of Hope football. The team came into the game winless in seven games this season. No Hope team has ever lost eight in-a-row. The Flying Dutchmen responded with a balanced attack that had a little of everything to off. Freshman tailback Josh Echtinaw rushed for 143 yards on 18 carries. Sophomore receiver Kyle Dietrich returned a kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown, in addition to catching seven passes for 89 yards and a TD. Placekicker Steve Hazekamp was a perfect 5-for-5 on PATs and kicked a 22-yard field. The Dutchmen had five quarterback sacks led by senior Kyle Eurick who had three. The win puts Hope at 1-7 on the season and 1-3 in the MIAA with two games remaining.

Flying Dutchmen Suffer Rare Loss to Adrian (10/25/08)
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Hope's football struggles continued Saturday as the Flying Dutchmen remained winless on the season after suffering a 39-3 loss to league-leading Adrian. Coach Dean Kreps' Dutchmen slipped to 0-7 on the season and 0-3 in the MIAA.

The host Bulldogs, who defeated Hope for just the second time this decade and is now 19-67 in the alltime series, scored on their first two possessions. Hope's lone points of the game came on a 34-yard field goal by Steve Hazekamp. Adrian followed with 26 unanswered points behind 447 yards of total offense.

The Flying Dutchmen were linmited to 138 yards of total offense. Quarterback Jake Manning came into the game averaging 293 yards passing, but was limited to 6-of-18 for 64 yards. Freshman tailback Josh Echtinaw, who received his first collegiate start, gained 53 yards on 14 carries, but Hope as a team was held to 64 yards on the ground.

Dutchmen Remain Winless in Loss at Albion (10/11/08)
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The Flying Dutchmen remained winless on the season bowing to rival Albion 28-21 Saturday. The loss puts Hope at 0-6 and marks the poorest start for a Hope team since 1961 when the Flying Dutchmen were 0-7 for the season. With four games remaining, it also means Hope will have its first losing season in 11 years.

The teams exchanged touchdowns three times before the Britons got the game-winner on a 75-yard punt return by Jacob Lee with five minutes left in the game. Hope quarterback Jake Manning scored one touchdown (two-yard run) and threw a pair of touchdown passes, one for eight yards to Kyle Dietrich and the second covering 37 yards to Scott Snyder.

Manning completed 15-of-29 passes for 202 yards. Kyle Dietrich caught five passes for 49 yards and Scott Snyder brought in three for 87 yards. Tailback Jon Rodriguez gained 77 yards on 23 carries. Punter Chris Feyes averaged 42 yards on five kicks.

Flying Dutchmen Remain Winless on Season (10/4/08)
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The Flying Dutchmen suffered a heartbreaking 31-30 Homecoming loss to visiting Trine (formerly Tri-State) Saturday to remain winless on the season. Coach Dean Kreps' Dutchmen slipped to 0-5 on the season in suffering their first Homecoming loss since 1997.

Hope fought back time-after-time against the undefeated Thunder, including scoring a touchdown with only 35 seconds remaining that trimmed Trine's lead to a single point. But it wasn't to be as Hope's attempt to kick the extra and tying point was blocked. It was the second time in the game that Trine defenders blocked a Hope PAT kick.

The loss overshadowed an outstanding passing/receiving performance by senior quarterback Jake Manning and sophomore receiver Kyle Dietrich. Manning just missed the single game record for passing yardage as he completed 32-of-45 passes for 497 yards (the record is 500) and four touchdowns. Dietrich shattered the single game record for reception yardage as he hauled in 14 passes that covered 285 yards. The old record was 210 yards by Joel Solomon against Wisconsin Lutheran in 2003. Dietrich and Scott Snyder each caught a pair of touchdown passes. The aerial attack overshadowed a dismal running attack that saw Hope gain only one net yard in 25 attempts.

Flying Dutchmen Go Winless Outside MIAA (9/27/08)
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Head coach Dean Kreps would probably rather not call his team's winless start a good omen, but if recent history proves itself that could well be the case. The Flying Dutchmen suffered their fourth straight loss to a nationally ranked team Saturday night bowing to Wheaton, Ill. 47-7. It marks the fourth straight year that the Flying Dutchmen have gone winless in their pre-MIAA games. The past three years Hope has reversed a cumulative 0-9 non-league record by posting an 18-3 conference mark that has included back-to-back championship the last year years.

The Thunder defeated the Flying Dutchmen for the eighth consecutive year with an offense that racked up 460 yards of total offense. Hope, meanwhile, was limited to 247 yards of total offense, including just 59 yards rushing. Hope's only touchdown was scored by tailback Jon Rodriguez on a one-yard run midway through the fourth quarter. Quarterback Jake Manning completed 18-of-40 passes for 177 yards. Nine of the completions were caught by Scott Snyder covering 69 yards.

Flying Dutchmen Suffer Third Defeat (9/20/08)
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The Flying Dutchmen suffered their third loss of the season Saturday, bowing to nationally ranked UW-Eau Claire 28-6.

The game was closer than the final score appeared as the host Blugolds scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to break open the game.

The Flying Dutchmen had an early chance when Matt Anderson intercepted his third collegiate pass and returned it to the Blugold 21. However, Hope was unable to advance the ball on its first series. The Blugolds responded with a 79-yard drive with Cory Sartoreli scoring on a one-yard plunge seven minutes into the game. Hope's defense compensated for a stalled offense when late in the first quarter linebacker Chris Batterbee recovered a UW fumble on the Hope 11. Jake Manning completed four straight passes and moved the Flying Dutchmen deep into UW territory, but the drive stalled forcing a punt. UW led 7-0 after the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter UW was knocking on Hope's goal line when the Hope defense again rose to the occasion with freshman Josh Echtinaw intercepting a Blugold pass in the end zone, his second of the season. Hope's offense couldn't take advantage and was forced to punt, but yet another UW turnover resulted in a fumble recovery giving Hope new life at midfield. But it was shortlived as UW intercepted Manning with seven minutes left in the first half. An 11-play drive late in the second quarter, culminated by a two-yard plunge into the end zone by Sartoreli to put the Blugolds ahead 14-0.

Hope got the ball on their own 28 with 1:46 left. Manning marched the Dutchmen down the field with a series of pass completions highlighted by a 6-yard completion for the touchdown to Kyle Dietrich. The PAT kick attempt was wide and Hope trailed 14-6 at the half.

The Flying Dutchmen opened the third quarter with an impressive drive that began on the Hope 20, but ended on the UW9. The drive consumed 17 plays and nearly eight minutes and included five Manning pass completions. The third quarter turned into a defensive struggle as the teams were scoreless on five possession exchanges.

UW struck for two touchdowns in the fourth, first on a short yardage fourth-down play and then on a 91-yard sprint. Hope, meanhile, had its chances, but had drives stopped on downs, including one inside the UW 5.

The Flying Dutchmen were limited to 40 yards rushing. Manning completed 25-of-54 passes for 279 yards to raise his career passing total to over 5,000 yards Kyle Dietrich caught 10 passes for 149 yards.

Carthage's total erased a mark that stood 87 years when then Western Normal (now Division I Western Michigan) scored 65 points against Hope. That game was 65-0, however.

Hope's 46 points was the most ever scored by the Flying Dutchmen in defeat. The previous mark was 45 points in a 55-45 loss to Wheaton in a 2003 NCAA playoff game.

And the 116 combined points by the teams is a record. The previous record was 110 points in Wheaton's 55-45 playoff triumph.

Six touchdowns were scored in the first quarter as the host Redmen gained a 28-14 advantage. The teams combined for 48 offensive plays in the first quarter. Hope tailback Tim Elzinga scored Hope's first two touchdowns, both on two-yard gains.

The teams were on a pace to eclipse several offensive records as the Red Men gained a 42-26 halftime lead. Tim Elzinga had his third touchdown of the game by halftime scoring on a four-yard. Quarterback Jake Manning kept the Dutchmen within striking distance as he hit tight end David DeBoer with a 14-yard scoring pass with 14 seconds left in the half.

Hope stayed within a pair of touchdowns most of the second half. Jake Manning threw three touchdown passes after intermission -- 11 yards to Kyle Dietrich, 22 yards to Scott Snyder and 15 yards to Jared Hudson.

The amassed 1,082 yards of total offense, Hope ending with 442 to Carthage's 641. Manning completed 25-of-57 passes for 328 yards. Tailback Tim Elzinga rushed for 115 yards on 19 carries. Leading the receivers were David DeBoer with seven catches for 65 yards, Scott Snyder with six covering 115 yards and Tim Carter with five for 89 yards.

The Flying Dutchmen are 0-2 and will be on the road again next Saturday at UW-EauClaire.

Flying Dutchmen Fall Short in Season Opener (9/6/08)
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Visiting Illinois Wesleyan spoiled Hope's Community Day season-opener on Saturday, topping the Flying Dutchmen 28-25 before more than 4,000 fans. The Flying Dutchmen staged a late rally and had the football in the closing minutes, but came up short in losing their season opener for the 19th time in the last 22 years.

Quarterback Jake Manning threw one touchdown pass and ran for two others. He completed 21-of-39 passes for 271 yards to an array of receivers. David DeBoer caught nine of them for 96 yards while Kyle Dietrich pulled down six covering 125 yards. Tailback Tim Elzinga rushed for 53 yards on 17 carries. Manning's touchdown runs covered one and four yards. His touchdown pass was an 11-yarder to Dietrich. Tailback Jon Rodriguez also scored a TD on a five-yard run.